“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”       

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Friends, if ever there was a time to seek God with all of our hearts surely it is now. All of us find ourselves living in a new reality much of which was unimaginable even a couple weeks ago. Checking e-mail and social media has gone from a diversion to a frequent necessity to learn the latest changes calling for new adaptations. Yet God is still on His throne.

Amidst the disappointing displays I have witnessed true caring and love from God’s people. Just today I received a call from a young woman who was using her day off to track down provisions for a co-worker with 5 children, transportation challenges, language challenges and no food for his family. Because of your ongoing generosity we were able to help. My heart has swelled with pride as I see or hear of you checking in on each other and helping where needed.  Our community meals have transitioned to take out just like the restaurants. Truly you are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Well done!

This week we will once again be worshipping via freeconferencecall.com at our normal 10:00 hour. I am on a seminary week and Ken Adams has graciously agreed to lead worship. Please call in and join us. You can call from either mobile OR landline and it’s very easy. Just dial (712) 770-5505. When prompted enter the access code 225441. We may not be able to gather in our beloved sanctuary but we can certainly come together via a technology to worship God with our thanks and praise.

In addition please know that I am available by phone should you have any pastoral needs. I am more than happy to pray with you  or assist in any way I can. Thanks to all for your patience as we navigate this ever changing landscape with the help of our never changing God.

Grace and peace be unto you one and all!

Pastor Tracy

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.”  

Psalms 121:1-3

Just last Sunday we sang these beautiful words from Psalm 121. What a perfect reminder in these troubling times. There are so many questions that are not yet answered. But there is one question that we can be sure of the answer to…Where does my help come from?  The Lord. In these unprecedented days, one thing remains unchanging and that is our God who knows us…each one by name and loved us so much as to send His Son to redeem us. 

As most of you have already heard, our Bishop has decided that there will be no public worship for the next 2 weeks. See the Bishop’s letter posted here. While this is no doubt disappointing to you as it is to me, the decision was made aimed at doing our part to lessen exposure and transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. 

For this week I invite you to join together to worship remotely by calling into my free conference call line. You can do this easily either from a land line or a mobile phone. Dial 712 770-5505. When prompted enter the access code 225441. It’s easy! We will have a brief message and  time to pray together. 

Friends, this is a time when we can be a witness to the world. As fistfights break out over toilet paper and cleaning wipes we can remain calm with the peace that passes understanding. We can watch over each other in love. We can continue to serve our community as needs grow and we become aware. This is a perfect time to be the church. Our Bishop has asked us to consider ways to become responding centers. That is something Trinity UMC is known for and we will continue as always in whatever form that takes in the coming days and weeks. 

As we spoke of recently in worship we have received blessings that we can bless others. May our lives be the blessing someone needs at such a time as this! 

Peace!

Pastor Tracy